That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

By That HoarderHealth & Fitness Mental Health

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding episodes

November 10, 2023#117 The dark side of conscious consumerism: when shopping feels like activism, can you save the world and promote your values by acquiring stuff?
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I've always believed in making positive change through my purchases. Recycling, supporting local businesses, and buying eco-friendly products have been my way of feeling like I'm making a difference, saving the world one shopping trip at a time. But I had a revelation. In today's episode, I'll explore the common belief that shopping can be a form of activism, that it is positive to support or promote whatever values are important to us. The struggles of aligning hoarding tendencies with ethical and environmental values are not lost on me. I'll delve into the difficulties of ethical purchasing and provide some insights to help you navigate through the clutter.
Expressing beliefs through items can lead to clutter
False advertising misleads consumers with "natural" claims
Some environmentally friendly products are more toxic
Resource extraction required for "ethical" consumption too
Choose green options but be mindful of unnecessary consumption
Individual actions won't save world; collective action needed
Systemic change
Believing we've done our part hinders change
Hoarders struggle with ethical purchasing decisions; advice appreciated
Although we can make ethical shopping choices, society convinces us that spending money on stuff is a form of activism
Supporting local businesses is beneficial, but it doesn't negate the negative consequences of buying something
Supporting recycling and shopping in charity shops can lead to excessive clutter and prevent others from purchasing
Buying items to display or share beliefs/values can lead to clutter; shopping won't save the world
Companies can mislead consumers by labelling products as "natural" or eco-friendly, leading us to believe we are making a positive impact
Electric car batteries release significant amounts of CO2 before being purchased
It's important to strive for better socially, environmentally, and personally, and to make informed choices when purchasing necessary items
Stocking up on unnecessary items is problematic
Collective action and societal change are needed for significant global change, not individual shopping habits
Boycotts may not be effective in changing company practices if they are still profitable
Changing to unleaded petrol required a law change
Believing shopping solves problems hinders impactful change; focus on reducing consumption, reusing, and finding real solutions
The hoarder's perspective on making positive change through purchases
Recognising flawed thinking and greenwashing
People believing they are saving the Earth through shopping
Greenwashing and misleading consumers with eco-friendly claims
Ethics of shopping and the reality of consumerism
Contribution of consumerism and resource consumption to environmental damage
Interconnection between social and environmental issues
Pitfalls of feel-good consumerism and the importance of reducing consumption
How buying green products can lead to complacency and less virtuous behaviour
Eco junk
Emphasis on consuming less and reducing consumption as a more effective solution
Shopping cannot solve issues like climate change, racism, inequality, or homophobia
Aligning ethical values with challenging hoarding tendencies

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50 min
November 03, 2023#116 Hoarding vs squalor vs Diogenes Syndrome with Dr Jan Eppingstall
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In this episode, we're diving into the topic of squalor. Is it the same as hoarding? Can you have a squalid environment without hoarding being present? Compulsive hoarding and living in unsanitary conditions can have a profound impact on us. We'll explore the key factors and distinctions between hoarding and squalor, as well as the underlying causes that contribute to these behaviours. From acquired brain injuries and cognitive impairments to mental health disorders, we'll delve into the intricate web of reasons why people find themselves in these challenging situations. We'll also touch on the impact of substance misuse, the role of physical disabilities, and the link between hoarding and conditions such as dementia, schizophrenia, and OCD.

Join us as we explore the different characteristics, challenges, and possible solutions for hoarding and squalor. Whether you're facing hoarding tendencies yourself or seeking to understand these behaviours better, this episode is for you.
Differentiating Hoarding, Squalor, Clutter, and Collecting
Hygiene practices determined by culture.
Unsanitary living caused by physical disability, dementia, illness, brain injuries, psychiatric disorders
Long-term substance abuse damages brain's command centre
Hoarding and squalor pose health risks
Seek help for environmental neglect without shame
The definition of unsanitary is determined by cultural hygiene practices, varying across cultures
It relates to the reasonable person's judgment of cleanliness based on cultural norms.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and contamination fears
Substance abuse impairs decision making and damages the prefrontal cortex
Hoarding and squalor pose health risks due to unhygienic living conditions and food safety issues.
Prefrontal cortex damage explains dementia-related hoarding
Unsanitary environments can result from socioeconomic factors such as poverty and limited access to sanitation services
Lack of access to rubbish removal and funds for disposal
Hoarding behaviours can lead to unsanitary living conditions due to hoarding severity, clutter volume, and difficulty discarding items. This attracts vermin and causes shame
Living alone can lead to higher risk of unsanitary conditions
Seek professional help, consider NDIS support for disabilities
Clutter makes cleaning difficult
Impairment in decision-making due to substance abuse
Acquired brain injuries and neglect of personal and environmental hygiene
Impairment of the command centre of the brain
Deteriorating eyesight and its effect on recognising unsanitary areas
Isolation and lack of support for seniors
Loss and depression leading to neglect of hygiene
Self-neglect among hoarders
Characteristics of squalid living environments
1. Lack of purposeful clutter
2. Absence of emotional attachment to objects
3. Fear of objects that have touched other objects
Root causes of squalid environments
Waste management and food storage
Socioeconomic Factors
Access to education, poverty, and sanitation services
Challenges faced by people living in public housing
Role of support systems in overcoming squalor
Seeking help from mental health professionals and GPs
Overcoming shame
Challenges Faced by Aging Hoarders
Influence of injuries or loss on hoarding behaviours
Avoiding unhelpful and meaningless labels
Squalor cannot be overcome by willpower alone
Emotional and functional purposes driving hoarding behaviour

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45 min
October 27, 2023 #115 Is selling your stuff worth it? The pros and cons of selling your clutter: a hoarder’s perspective
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Today’s episode is all about the pros and cons of selling your stuff. If you've been following my journey, you know that I have been apprehensive about selling items in the past. But I've taken a tentative step into the world of selling my clutter. Today I'm going to share the lessons I've learned and explore whether selling is truly worth it. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful discussion on the potential benefits and drawbacks of selling your stuff.

Selling stuff slows you down, hampers decluttering
Holding on to things instead of selling
Potential and creativity don't guarantee objective value
Saves money, extends life cycle, reduces waste, helps environment, satisfies hoarder brain
Time, effort, selling, selling process
Selling stuff may hinder hoarder's progress - delay, excuses
No guarantee of sales or payments; uncertain and time-consuming process
Setting parameters saves energy.
Selling slows down decluttering, creates excuses to keep items.
If we don't want to get rid of something, we might pretend we'll sell it without actually doing so
We use excuses to avoid throwing it away because we have a tendency to hoard
We believe someone else will want it.
Realistic value check.
We overestimate the value of our possessions.
Selling stuff can make money during tough times
Varies depending on what you sell.
Someone else can use them
Reusing is better than recycling or throwing away. It's environmentally beneficial
Selling can be both a motivator and an excuse for delaying getting rid of things
There is no guarantee of selling or payment for listed items.
Unpredictable
Listing and selling items require time and energy that could be used more productively.
Charity shops save time and effort compared to eBay
Not advocating selling everything
Previous stance on selling items and recent change in perspective
Importance of finding a balance and considering what is best for oneself and the items being sold
Making money while in debt or struggling with bills
Benefiting from the extra money, especially in a tough economy
Extending the life cycle of items by reusing them
Supporting the idea of reducing consumption
Sense of satisfaction in knowing that items will be put to good use by someone else
Uncertainty involved in the selling process
Difficulty in determining the right price for items
Frustration of receiving offers below desired price or dealing with non-paying buyers
Feeling demoralised if treasured items don't sell
Potential dissatisfaction with the final amount received after all the effort
eBay fees and the impact on the final selling price
Potential Hoarding Related Challenges of Selling
The tendency to use selling as a means to delay getting rid of items
The role of selling as a motivator versus an excuse to hold onto possessions
Assessing individual motivations for selling personal belongings
Considering whether the effort and time invested in selling outweigh other actions
Setting a minimum price threshold for Facebook Marketplace to avoid lowball offers
Taking into account one's overall personality and goals when deciding to sell or keep items
Insights and Lessons Learned from Selling
Realizing that overvaluing possessions is common for hoarders
Recognizing the importance of speed in decluttering and minimizing possessions
Learning about oneself and possessions through the selling process
Reiteration of the importance of finding a balance between selling and letting go
Highlighting the benefits and potential challenges of selling items

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43 min
October 20, 2023#114 What if I regret dehoarding? Overcoming the fear of regret and letting go
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In this episode, I look at the topic of regret when it comes to dehoarding. Drawing from my own experiences, I delve into the fear of regret that often plagues individuals who hoard. She discusses the negative impact this anticipation of regret can have on the state of our homes and our lives, as well as the importance of reframing our mindset. Through personal anecdotes and valuable reflections, That Hoarder shares how considering the potential regrets of not dehoarding and the potential benefits of letting go can help overcome this fear. She provides practical tips and strategies for navigating the journey towards a clutter-free life. Let's confront and conquer our fear of regret in the dehoarding process.
Regretting hoarding, but also regretting not changing.
Focus on potential regret or potential benefits
Regrets and fears may hinder decluttering items.
Starting slowly can prevent future regret.
Making decisions without regret is nearly impossible
Setting time limits and asking for help can be helpful in making difficult decisions.
Occasional painful regret can be transformative.
Step towards personal growth and home improvement.
Importance of considering both regret and lack of regret in decision-making.
Focus on potential benefits, not regret or fear
Reframe questions to consider gains or missed opportunities
Identify core fears to address them.
Examining fears of regretting and loss of objects, emphasising a realistic perspective.
Weigh the pros and cons and take measured actions
Holding onto everything restricts opportunities and can lead to a limited life.
Making decisions without regret is difficult, but setting time limits and seeking advice can help
Sharing fears with others can quiet them.
Making decisions, big or small, can bring about regrets. Others may not have experience with hoarding but can offer perspectives on overcoming regrets.
Personal growth and improving coping skills can enhance our lives and homes.
Anticipation of regret in hoarding
Negative impact on homes and lives
Insurance policy approach to dehoarding
Battle with fear of regret
We forget to anticipate regret of not taking action
Potential future regret from not making homes easier to live in
Considering what might be missed out on if not taking action
Reframing questions to include potential benefits
Personal experience of not regretting donating to charity shops
Focusing on potential benefits instead of potential regret
Identifying the core fear beyond the fear of regret
Addressing and assessing the fear
Examples of fears related to specific objects or items
Starting gradually and assessing each step
Testing out fears and evaluating the actual feelings
Using previous experiences to build confidence
Taking action before reaching a crisis
Importance of addressing the fear before drastic consequences
Acknowledging the realities of life circumstances
Encouraging steady and ongoing progress
Weighing pros and cons and considering fears
Making more considered and measured decisions to prevent future regret

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38 min
October 13, 2023#113 Batching: the pathway to tangible results and motivation for hoarders
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Today's episode is all about batching and hoarding. Have you ever started a task only to get sidetracked and end up feeling disheartened and unproductive? Well, you're not alone. In this episode, I explore the concept of batching tasks together and how it can help you overcome the distractions and actually get things done. Join me as we delve into the world of productivity strategies, context switching, and the positive benefits of batching tasks. Get ready to declutter your mind and your home and find the encouragement you need to keep going. Stay tuned for some practical tips and insights on how to make batching work for you. Let's get started!
For people who easily get sidetracked and lose focus quickly
Using technique to focus on tasks efficiently
More focus leads to increased productivity and visible results
Batch tasks for efficiency and effectiveness
Batching tasks simplifies decision-making and improves efficiency
Batching tasks helps with transitions and procrastination
Create a schedule for regular batched tasks
Batch based on area, category, or activity
Feeling unaccomplished by distractions when trying to complete tasks
Focus on one task at a time to accomplish more and see noticeable results, providing motivation and encouragement
Allows for a fresh perspective on completed work and saving time and energy
Batching tasks simplifies decision-making, reduces analysis paralysis, and allows for forward planning, increasing productivity
Helps with transitions and initiating task
Beneficial for dehoarding, depending on progress. Establishing a schedule for regular batched tasks may be helpfu
Batch items based on area, category, or activity. Stay focused and redirect distractions by saying "No, I'm working on this for now."
Explanation of context switching and its impact on focus and productivity
More noticeable results at the end of a decluttering session
Boost in motivation and encouragement
Importance of visible progress in overcoming feelings of disheartenment
Comparison between concentrated progress in one area vs. scattered progress throughout the space
Difference between visible and hidden progress
Encouragement to apply batching techniques to stay focused and improve effectiveness in organising efforts

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31 min
October 06, 2023#112 Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall
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Today, Dr. Jan Eppingstall is here to shed light on the connection between executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding behaviour. We explore how executive function impacts our ability to organise and declutter our living spaces and uncover the challenges individuals face when it comes to decision-making, mental flexibility, and working memory. We'll also discuss strategies for improving executive function and overcoming the obstacles that hoarding behaviour presents.
Depression and health conditions can impair focus
Nervous shutdown and self-compassion during stress
Trick yourself into starting
Network atrophies when not engaged
Issue with sticking to tasks due to desire for novelty
Reducing food shops, using what's in cupboards
Procrastination hinders progress, but changing behaviours helps
Mental flexibility essential
Flexible thinking in shopping, problem solving, creativity
Executive dysfunction hinders organisation; hoarding makes it harder
Lack of experience in decision-making, cutting corners
Perspective and help are important when organising
Lack of space hinders planning
Executive functions affects losing things
Fear of loss worsens clutter
See-through boxes and labels
Mindset affects executive function, self-care is crucial
Many conditions cause brain fog and difficulty focusing
Understanding our executive functions helps us manage stress, improve awareness, and leverage strengths
Reflection can inform future behaviour
Nervous system shuts down, could be triggered by dissociation
Engaging in tasks helps people focus and enter a flow state
Perfectionism = rigid thinking, efforts towards being more flexible
Trying to organise a hoard is destined to fail
Can we reassure ourselves when we put things away?
Minimise visual distractions, motivation to improve surroundings
Take care of your mind, believe in yourself, and prioritie self-care for better executive function
Is difficulty organising due to executive function issues or the sheer quantity of items?
Difficulty getting rid of things once they are brought into the home due to the endowment effect
Suggestions for improving working memory through mental maths and storytelling memory games
Identifying triggers and strategies for preventing or dealing with shutdowns
Practicing self-compassion and reducing stress for better action-taking
Introduction of the task positive network (TPN) and flow state during tasks
Downsides of hyperfocus and its impact on cognitive attention
Weakening or atrophy of the TPN due to lack of exercise
How depression, autoimmune diseases, and long COVID can impact executive functioning
Unique perception and organization of belongings for individuals on the autism spectrum
Planning skills and lack of space as potential barriers

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1 hr 41 min
September 29, 2023#111 Do you have spares of your spares? Do you have backups of your backups?
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Today, I'm delving into the world of excess and overstocked items. I have some insights on how to navigate the clutter of spares and backups that can often accumulate in our lives and explore the challenges of hoarding spares, the fear of running out, and the art of letting go. It's time to take action and make space for what truly matters. Let's dive in!
Too many backups, no space for essentials
Too many spares hinder finding things
Hoarders stock up, but it's problematic
Keeping spares, especially when on sale
Overbuying and hoarding wastes time and money
Allocating space reduces overstocking, prompts evaluation
Consider cost, availability, and ease of replacement. Assess necessity based on these factors
Evaluate spare items for necessary maintenance
Risk and fear limit our daily lives
Consider reasonable quantity and necessity, not excess
We accumulate unnecessary backups, making it difficult to organize and discard unused items
Keeping too many unnecessary items makes it hard to find what we really want
Letting go takes faith but leads to easier access
Buying in bulk is cheaper
Overbuying and hoarding leads to an unmanageable situation, preventing you from enjoying life
Fear of running out is understandable but excessive stockpiling is not helpful or cost-effective
Dispose of obsolete tech and excess items, donate or discard thoughtfully
Allocating a specific space for overstock might help control it
Consider limiting the number of spares and keeping track of inventory
Consider the cost and availability of replacing items. If easy and affordable, no spares may be needed. If costly or hard to find, consider quantity and storage
Check if your spare items need maintenance. Don't keep duplicates if they don't work. Consider safety and cost when replacing items
Balancing risk and spares in daily life, reassess as needed
The waste feels horrible, but you can learn from it and make more conscious decisions about buying
Don't beat yourself up, instead turn discomfort into determination to avoid future waste
Think before buying unnecessary items
Assess the importance and potential consequences of running out
Balance the need for preparedness with space and cost
Proportionality is key
The concept of overstocking and hoarding spares
Keeping a record of the quantity of spare items to alleviate anxiety about running out
Difficulty of finding desired items among a clutter of unused items
Taking Action to Get Out of Clutter
Importance of taking action to declutter and organise
Acknowledge fear of being without certain items, but encourage letting go of unused items to make space for what truly matters
Donating unwanted items can make it easier to access needed items
Availability of replacements locally or online
Considerations like expiration dates and proper storage
Fear of running out and hoarding as a response
Balancing the benefits of buying in bulk with the negative impact on daily life and family dynamics
Keeping old appliances as backups even if they are no longer functional
Using discomfort as motivation to avoid overstocking and waste
Reassessing judgments about spares over time as anxiety levels change
Futility of hoarding obsolete tech
Space, cost, and compatibility issues
Reflect on own overstocking habits and take steps to overcome compulsive hoarding

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44 min
September 22, 2023#110 Do you own your stuff or does it own you? Freeing yourself and your home with Jasmine Sleigh, author of Being Owned
For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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Jasmine Sleigh is a professional declutterer and has spent the past decade helping people to free up space. She focuses not only on physical belongings but also on the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering. In today's episode, Jasmine likens her role to a dance, where she carefully navigates through uncertainties and potential triggers for her clients and stresses the importance of providing support and encouragement throughout the decluttering process.

We also discuss Jasmine's book, Being Owned: A Decade in Professional Decluttering, where she expands on the concepts discussed in this episode. Let's dive into the world of decluttering with Jasmine Sleigh.
Facilitating crafts and donating unused items.
Professional decluttering: a personal and people-centric approach
Handling belongings requires adaptability and improvisation
Sort out space, prioritise essentials, declutter
Understanding lives through belongings; an intimate job
Stuff has power, can be moved
Keep belongings accessible for ease of use
Helping people achieve their goals is the key
Positive actions in a cost of living crisis
Jasmine wanted to write a book about her experiences as a professional declutterer, focusing on the poignant stories of her clients and celebrating her achievements
She also felt frustrated by people's misconceptions about the job
The importance of using and sharing possessions, especially in the context of crafting and hobbies.
Jasmine can only go as far as clients are willing to let her
Training others has further shaped her understanding
Emotional attachments and recent purchases may require more distance
The power of belongings and the impact they can have
Ensuring easy access and a comfortable living environment for individuals is the main priority
Goal is to make people happier in their homes
Using resources for good and the availability of second-hand items in a crisis
Sorting through belongings and determining their importance in one's life narrative
The Unpredictability of the Job
Need for adaptability in dealing with unexpected situations
Describing the job as a "dance" due to uncertainties and triggers
Being present and flexible in the moment, avoiding over-preparation
Ineffectiveness of threats and negative consequences
The Process of Decluttering
Recognising that there is no quick fix or magic solution
Examples of finding forgotten items
Belongings becoming overwhelming and causing a burden
The ability to move and rearrange belongings to improve the situation
Different levels of difficulty in letting go of different types of items
Sorting out keepsakes at different life stages
Importance of having hobbies and engaging in creative activities
Creating a space to pursue hobbies and finish projects
Passing on unused items for sustainability and resource usage
Power dynamics surrounding objects
Giving individuals agency to make choices about possessions
Stories of reengagement and finding joy in personal belongings
Being attuned to people and focused on their well-being
Maturation and increased understanding after 10 years of working
Importance of the home as a sanctuary for wellbeing

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1 hr 21 min
September 15, 2023 #109 When you feel like giving up: dehoarding when it’s really hard
In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of when you feel like giving up. We'll be exploring the struggles, frustrations, and moments of doubt that can arise during the journey of overcoming compulsive hoarding. We'll uncover strategies to stay motivated and find the strength to keep going. Join me as we navigate the highs and lows of this challenging process and discover the power of perseverance.

So, grab a cup of tea and press play!

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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Reminder: Why was change important? Self-examine motivation for new things.
Stay present, take care of yourself, embrace failure.
Challenges and triumphs in a long journey and a big project.
Setting expectations based on order rather than timings is preferable for someone who finds it difficult to predict. Learn from experience and set realistic expectations. Consider the burden of letting others down if you communicate expectations to them.
Setting milestones helps celebrate small wins. Clearing the kitchen table can be a goal, leading to a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Having compassion for oneself is crucial.
A Facebook comment inspired compassion from children of hoarders, encouraging someone to not give up and be a hero for their kids.
Change up your habits, shift timing, remember why you started.
Remember why decluttering was important to you. Reflect on your motivation and discover new reasons, like enjoying extra space, treating yourself, or flexibility while working from home.
Taking breaks and finding inspiration from others helps prevent burnout during long-term projects. Look to successful people for motivation, even outside of your specific field.
Applying mindset to various areas of life, replacing unproductive habits, assessing and making adjustments, and the potential benefits of visualizing success.
Acknowledging slow progress is better than no progress
Feelings of frustration and impatience with the current situation
Be patient and work with circumstances
Mindful Approach to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed
Being present in the moment instead of rushing to the next thing
Appreciating and being present in small tasks
Practicing mindfulness and avoiding constant engagement with everything
Importance of physical, mental, and emotional self-care
Maintaining motivation through scheduled and unscheduled breaks
Viewing failure as a learning experience, not a reason to give up
Importance of setting specific goals and milestones in decluttering
Celebrating accomplishments as motivation
Breaking tasks into manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm
Replacing rigidity with a more gentle and careful approach
Doing a bit, assessing, and making adjustments
Changing Environment and Finding Motivation
Changing environment or time of day to make decluttering feel new
Reflecting on initial motivation to stay motivated
Various sources of inspiration, including social media, podcasts, and books
Unrelated endeavours like trekking the Appalachian Mountains as a source of inspiration
Flexibility and Adaptability in Pursuit of Goals
Emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability
Overcoming rigidity and perfectionism through adjustment and starting multiple times
Taking breaks and weekends off to prevent burnout
Failure as a Motivator and Opportunity
Understanding failure as a setback in life plans
Validating the feelings of discouragement and wanting to give up

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51 min
September 08, 2023#108 From indecisiveness to empowered choices: 27 practical tips for overcoming decision-making challenges in hoarding
In this episode, we explore decision making and its connection to hoarding. I dive into neuroscience research, exploring the neural mechanisms of decision making in hoarding disorder, discover how individuals categorise their own possessions versus those of others, and how this impacts their ability to make decisions. I talk ways to improve decision making skills. From flipping a coin to considering our values, setting priorities, and seeking advice, I explore practical techniques that can help anyone struggling with indecisiveness. Along the way, I tackle the fear of uncertainty and how it can hinder decision making. I delve into the different decision making styles that researchers have identified and how understanding these styles can help.

For the transcript for this episode, visit http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk
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Hoarding OCD patients struggle with decision making.
Differences in decision making for hoarders.
Anticipating regret
Test small decisions
Gather information, set time limits for decisions
Accepting uncertainty
Toss a coin, keep perspective, ask advice.
Consider long-term consequences, stick to decisions.
Start small; gain confidence in decision-making.
Learning from past decisions improves future choices.
Hoarders report anxiety and procrastination in decision making.
Lack of self-trust skews decision-making
Hoarding disorder linked to impulsive decisions and self-reliance.
Differences in categorising own items compared to others'
Writing down thoughts can clarify complexity and solve problems
Fear of mistakes leads to decision avoidance.
Hoarders anticipate regret
Ask more than "what if"
Perspective, flexibility, seek advice.
Stick to decisions and avoid second-guessing or agonising over them.
Psychology Today: 35,000 choices made daily
Decisions can be overwhelming
The butterfly effect and the impact of seemingly insignificant decisions
Strategies for Decision Making in Hoarding
Imaginary Person Technique
Aligning decisions with values to prioritise what is truly important
How values can guide decision-making in hoarding situations
Neural Mechanisms of Decision Making in Hoarding
Study involving brain scans and paper items
Tossing a coin to make decisions and considering feelings about the result
Setting priorities, asking "what if" questions
Being open to different perspectives
Tolerating uncertainty
Understanding Decision Making Styles
No definitive set of decision making styles
Cultivating Compassion and Making Ethical Choices
Cultivating self-compassion
Making compassionate choices for a better quality of life
Practical Tips for Decision Making in Hoarding
Starting with small, easy decisions and gradually progressing to more significant ones
Challenging oneself to try different options and gain decision-making skills
Learning from past decisions to inform future ones and identify helpful strategies
Considering long-term consequences rather than focusing solely on immediate ones
Stepping out of immediate emotions
Sticking to decisions and avoiding overanalysing or second-guessing
Difficulty making decisions among patients with hoarding disorder and OCD
Characteristics of hoarding disorder, including excessive indecisiveness and avoidance
Hoarding disorder's association with procrastination, indecisiveness, and decision-related fears

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1 hr

About That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

From the publisher's feed

Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder…